Why Some Perceive Movies Have Better Writing Than TV Shows: An Analysis

There is a common perception in the entertainment industry that movies offer better writing than TV shows. While it's true that many movies do boast tightly constructed narratives and compelling storytelling, this viewpoint is not universally applicable. This article delves into several factors contributing to this perception and explores the evolving landscape of storytelling in both movies and television.

Conciseness and Focus

The limited runtime of movies—typically around 90 to 180 minutes—forces writers to condense and prioritize their narratives. This constraint often results in a more focused and streamlined storytelling approach, with fewer subplots and a stronger, more cohesive plot structure. In contrast, TV shows, particularly those spanning multiple seasons, have the luxury of extended runtime to develop various themes and characters. This extended timeframe can sometimes lead to dilution of the narrative, as writers attempt to keep viewers engaged with an array of storylines and character arcs. However, this doesn't always mean that TV shows produce lower quality writing.

Higher Budgets and Resources

Movies benefit from larger budgets, which can be allocated to the script, production, and marketing phases. These financial resources can attract high-profile writers and talent, contributing to higher quality and more polished writing. The ability to hire top-tier professionals, invest in detailed scripts, and market the film extensively can significantly elevate the overall quality of the production. In contrast, TV shows, while often impressive, may not always receive the same level of financial backing, affecting the depth and intricacy of their writing.

One-Off Experience

Movies are typically designed as self-contained, standalone experiences, which allows for a more impactful and concentrated delivery of storytelling. The immediate and singular nature of a movie experience can result in a more powerful and memorable narrative. TV shows, especially those running for multiple seasons, must maintain viewer interest over an extended period. This continuous engagement can sometimes lead to the inclusion of filler content or slower pacing to keep the audience interested. TV shows, while often character-driven, may not always prioritize as much on the immediate, singular impact of storytelling as movies do.

Different Formats and Expectations

Audiences often approach movies and TV shows with different expectations. Movies are often judged more on their storytelling and writing, with a focus on creating a compelling and cohesive narrative within the limited time frame. TV shows, on the other hand, may prioritize character development and long-term story arcs, which can extend over several seasons. This focus on character arcs and multi-season narratives can sometimes result in slower pacing or the inclusion of filler content. High-quality television shows, however, demonstrate that it is possible to combine excellent writing, character development, and narrative coherence over extended periods.

Cultural Perception

Historically, movies have been perceived as a more prestigious art form than television. This cultural perception has led to the belief that movies must have superior writing. However, as the viewing landscape evolves, particularly with the rise of high-quality streaming platforms and critically acclaimed TV series, this perception is shifting. Shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and The Sopranos have proven that television can offer narrative depth, complex characters, and strong writing that rivals or surpasses that of many films. The quality of storytelling in both mediums is becoming increasingly comparable, with both forms of entertainment consistently delivering high levels of writing and narrative depth.

In conclusion, while some may argue that movies have better writing due to their structure, budget, and cultural perception, the landscape of storytelling is evolving. Many TV shows are now delivering exceptional writing and narrative depth, challenging the notion that movies are inherently superior in terms of writing quality. The focus should be on the quality of the storytelling and writing itself, rather than the medium in which it is presented.